The petition called for a special election on Aug. 13 to allow voters to decide whether to keep or overturn an ordinance rezoning property located at South Vancouver Avenue and West Main Street to a planned unit development (PUD).

The city also plans to have an election this year on the one-cent sales tax renewal, but Mayor Bill Eaton said he was unsure if that initiative could be organized in time for the Aug. 13 election or if a later election will be conducted on that matter.

Next, the Pope County Election Commission will begin setting up the ballot and organizing the election.

News of the petition circulated soon after the City Council voted 6-2 at its April meeting to pass the zoning ordinance. Though the petition surfaced quickly, confirmation of petition sponsors was less forthcoming.

Statewide petitions must be submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for approval before signatures may be gathered, which provides for a system in which the public is able to know who the sponsors of the initiative are. Local petitions are not required to follow any similar process of ballot approval prior to signature gathering.

During the series of public meetings that led up to the council passing the zoning ordinance, Russellville attorney John Peel was a vocal opponent of the market, though he never clarified who he represented.

Around two-thirds of the referendum petitions were notarized by either Peel or his father, Richard Peel.

Calls to his office three weeks ago to inquire about whether he was involved in the referendum process were not returned. A person who answered the phone at the Peel law office said there would be no comment. Calls Wednesday were not returned.

Representatives from a Kroger union also appeared often at the meetings, though it is again unclear whether they have had any involvement in the referendum process.

The lack of information can be frustrating to those interested in knowing more about the reasons for organizing the referendum initiative.

“I know that the people that have been pushing this at different locations have a personal interest in (the matter),” Eaton said. “Whether they have formally identified that they have or not is another thing. I think that there needs to be some disclosure in regard to that, but that’s up to the individuals, or the organization if it’s an organization, or whatever the case may be.”

Eaton said he would like to ask the referendum sponsors why this proposed development is not in the best interests of the city. He also said while the referendum process has been posed as an issue with the decision to use PUD zoning, he feels that is not the “true intention” behind the petition.

Overall, Eaton said he respects the legal process and citzens’ rights to initiate the referendum, but has concerns about how it could impact the city.

“I view, and this is a personal opinion, those cities that are more friendly in development as it comes to city hall, so to speak, or to the community in the form of a request or an interest, those cities seem to grow in more than one aspect or one facet because as we add different elements, it gives a greater opportunity and ability for others who share an interest in development and investment,” he said. Eaton also noted the city’s role is not to regulate what businesses or how many of a type of business come into the city, as long as they follow legal guidelines and regulations.

“We talk about the American dream and the American way of doing business and that’s the way it is,” he said.

Walmart emailed a statement to The Courier late Thursday afternoon about the petition.

“Unfortunately, some of the louder voices in this debate don’t represent the majority opinion,” the statement stated. “The customer voice is clear and demonstrated every time we open a new location as thousands of local residents show their support by shopping our store.

“We believe this Neighborhood Market can be a solution to residents who want a job or access to fresh, affordable food. We look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Russellville.”

The Courier is implying something sinister in the source of the petition. I know who brought it to me - a neighbor. And we're both neighbors of the prospective store. Why not ask us or any of the 917 certified signers what their motivations are? I could certainly give you an ear full.

Any number can play the game the Courier is using in its subtle editorials posing as news: What is their motivation for pushing for the store? Have advertising dollars been promised?

Thank you for this comment. I too am a neighbor of the area for the location Walmart wants to use. Nobody I know in the immediate area has any desire to see this place re-zoned just so Wallyworld can come in. Sadly, W is big enough that they can make things happen, even when those things are not right.